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There’s something about that classic candy bar combination—dark chocolate, coconut, and almonds—that just feels like a hug in food form. But honestly, sometimes you want that nostalgic flavor without the sugar crash that follows. That’s where these no-bake Almond Joy Energy Bites come in. They’re my go-to when I need a little pick-me-up that feels indulgent but is actually made from simple, whole ingredients. I love keeping a batch in the fridge for those afternoon slumps or for a quick pre-workout bite. They come together in about 15 minutes with just a food processor and a bit of patience for rolling. The texture is perfectly chewy, a little bit crunchy from the almonds, and deeply satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that proves healthy snacks don’t have to be boring—they can be a total treat.

Recipe Overview

Why You’ll Love This Almond Joy Energy Bites

They taste like a treat but fuel you like a snack. You get that incredible chocolate-coconut-almond flavor you crave, but it’s powered by dates and oats, so you’re left feeling energized, not sluggish.
Incredibly simple to make with no baking required. All you need is one bowl and a food processor. Just pulse, roll, and chill. It’s almost impossible to mess up, which I really appreciate on busy days.
Perfect for meal prep and on-the-go snacking. These bites are portable heroes. Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ve got a week’s worth of healthy snacks ready to grab from the fridge or freezer.
Endlessly customizable to your taste. Not a fan of almonds? Use peanuts. Want extra chocolate? Roll them in cocoa powder. You can play around and make them your own.

Ingredients & Tools

1 cup pitted Medjool dates
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, plus more for rolling
1/2 cup raw almonds
1/4 cup almond butter
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons water, if needed
A pinch of sea salt

Tools: A food processor, a baking sheet, and parchment paper.

The quality of your dates is key here—they’re the main sweetener and binder. Look for Medjools that are soft and sticky. If they’re a little dry, soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes can bring them back to life. And that pinch of salt? It’s not optional, honestly. It makes all the chocolate and coconut flavors pop.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 120 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 3 g

Serves: 18 bites | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes

Are your dates dry? If your Medjool dates have been in the pantry for a while, they might be a bit hard. Simply cover them with hot water for 5-10 minutes to soften them up, then drain thoroughly before using. This makes them sticky and easier to blend.
The power of a good food processor. You’ll really want a food processor for this, not a blender. A blender can struggle with the thick, sticky mixture and might not pulse the almonds to the right texture. A processor gives you that perfect, coarse crumb.
Toasting the almonds is a game-changer. It’s an extra step, but if you have 5 minutes, toasting your raw almonds in a dry skillet until fragrant will deepen their flavor immensely and make these bites taste even more like the real deal.
Don’t skip the chill time. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the bites firm up in the fridge for at least 30 minutes is crucial. It allows the oats to absorb moisture and makes them much easier to handle and enjoy.

How to Make Almond Joy Energy Bites

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients. If you’re toasting your almonds, do that first. Just spread them in a single layer in a dry skillet over medium heat. Shake the pan frequently for 3-5 minutes until they become fragrant and take on a slightly darker color. Set them aside to cool. This is also the time to check your dates—if they feel hard, give them a quick soak in hot water.

Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients. Add the rolled oats, shredded coconut, toasted (or raw) almonds, cocoa powder, chia seeds, and that all-important pinch of sea salt to the bowl of your food processor. Pulse about 5-7 times, just until the almonds are broken down into small, pea-sized pieces. You want some texture here, so don’t over-process it into a fine powder.

Step 3: Add the wet ingredients. Now, add the pitted dates, almond butter, and vanilla extract to the processor. Secure the lid and process until the mixture starts to clump together. You’ll notice it first forming little balls and then eventually starting to spin around the bowl as one large mass. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Check the consistency. Stop the processor and pinch a small amount of the dough between your fingers. It should hold together firmly. If it’s too dry and crumbly, that’s where the water comes in. Add one tablespoon of water and process again for 15-20 seconds. Check again, and only add the second tablespoon if absolutely necessary.

Step 5: Roll the mixture into balls. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture. Roll each portion firmly between your palms to form a smooth, compact ball. If the mixture is sticking to your hands, dampening your palms slightly with water can help a lot.

Step 6: Coat the bites (optional but recommended). Pour some extra shredded coconut onto a small plate. Roll each energy bite in the coconut, pressing gently to make it adhere. This gives you that classic Almond Joy exterior and a lovely extra layer of texture.

Step 7: Chill to set. Arrange all the finished bites on your prepared baking sheet and pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is non-negotiable for the perfect, firm-yet-chewy texture. After they’re set, you can transfer them to an airtight container.

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Dishes

A simple fruit plate — The fresh, juicy acidity of berries or apple slices provides a lovely contrast to the rich, sweet density of the energy bites.
A cup of Greek yogurt — Crumble a bite over a bowl of plain yogurt for a deconstructed dessert-like breakfast that’s packed with protein.
A green smoothie — Pair one with a spinach and banana smoothie for a completely balanced and satisfying light meal or substantial snack.

Drinks

Cold brew coffee — The deep, slightly bitter notes of cold brew are a fantastic companion to the sweet chocolate and coconut flavors.
A glass of almond milk — It keeps the almond theme going and makes for a creamy, comforting, and classic pairing.
Peppermint tea — The cool, refreshing quality of peppermint tea makes the chocolate taste even more decadent and satisfying.

Something Sweet

Dark chocolate-dipped strawberries — If you’re serving these as part of a dessert platter, these strawberries continue the chocolate theme but add a burst of freshness.
A small bowl of frozen grapes — They’re like nature’s sorbet, offering a cold, sweet, and clean finish that doesn’t overwhelm the palate.
A dollop of coconut whipped cream — For the ultimate indulgence, serve a bite alongside a spoonful of light, fluffy coconut cream.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

Using a blender instead of a food processor. Blenders are designed for liquids, and this thick, sticky dough can easily get stuck under the blades and burn out the motor. A food processor is the right tool for this job.
Over-processing the mixture. You want a coarse, textured dough, not a smooth paste. If you blend it for too long, the oils from the almonds and coconut can start to release, making the bites greasy.
Skipping the chill time. I’ve been impatient before, and it always leads to bites that fall apart too easily. The fridge time allows everything to bind together and firms up the fats, giving you that perfect, satisfying chew.
Not packing the balls firmly enough. When you roll them, really press the mixture together in your hands. A loose roll will result in a crumbly bite that doesn’t hold its shape well.

Expert Tips

Tip: Freeze them for a hot day. Pop these bites in the freezer for an hour or two. They turn into a fantastic frozen treat that’s even more satisfying on a warm afternoon, with a texture like a chewy, healthy ice cream bar.
Tip: Make a double batch. These are so perfect for a quick grab-and-go snack that it’s worth making a large quantity. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, so you’ll always have a healthy option on hand.
Tip: Get creative with add-ins. Feel free to customize! A tablespoon of espresso powder would enhance the chocolate flavor, or you could swap the almonds for pecans or walnuts for a different nutty profile.
Tip: Use a cookie scoop for uniformity. For bites that are all the same size (and look super professional), a small cookie or melon ball scoop is your best friend. It makes the rolling process much faster and less messy.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter?
Absolutely! While almond butter keeps the theme, creamy peanut butter works wonderfully for a “Peanut Joy” version. Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative. Just make sure it’s the natural, drippy kind, not the super-stiff type, as you need its moisture to help bind everything together.

How long do these energy bites last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh and maintain their perfect texture for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months. I like to layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer bag so I can grab just one or two at a time.

My mixture is too wet and sticky. What did I do wrong?
This usually happens if the dates were very fresh and moist, or if you added a bit too much water. Don’t worry! You can fix it by adding another tablespoon or two of rolled oats or shredded coconut to the food processor and pulsing until it comes back to a workable consistency.

Can I make these without coconut?
You can, but it will change the texture and flavor profile significantly. To replace the coconut, you could use an additional 1/4 cup of oats and maybe a tablespoon of ground flaxseed. The flavor will be more oat-forward and less reminiscent of an Almond Joy, but still delicious.

Are these suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, provided you use certified gluten-free oats. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, so checking the packaging is important if you have a sensitivity or celiac disease. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Almond Joy Energy Bites

Cost Level $

Category Healthy Christmas Desserts

Difficulty Medium

Cuisine American, dessert

Servings 18

Total Time 45 minutes

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Make delicious Almond Joy Energy Bites in 15 minutes! This no-bake recipe is a healthy, energizing snack. Get the easy, gluten-free recipe now!

Ingredients

For the energy bites:

1 cup pitted Medjool dates
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup raw almonds
1/4 cup almond butter
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons water
1 pinch sea salt

Instructions

01
Prepare your ingredients. If you’re toasting your almonds, do that first. Just spread them in a single layer in a dry skillet over medium heat. Shake the pan frequently for 3-5 minutes until they become fragrant and take on a slightly darker color. Set them aside to cool. This is also the time to check your dates—if they feel hard, give them a quick soak in hot water.
02
Combine the dry ingredients. Add the rolled oats, shredded coconut, toasted (or raw) almonds, cocoa powder, chia seeds, and that all-important pinch of sea salt to the bowl of your food processor. Pulse about 5-7 times, just until the almonds are broken down into small, pea-sized pieces. You want some texture here, so don’t over-process it into a fine powder.
03
Add the wet ingredients. Now, add the pitted dates, almond butter, and vanilla extract to the processor. Secure the lid and process until the mixture starts to clump together. You’ll notice it first forming little balls and then eventually starting to spin around the bowl as one large mass. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
04
Check the consistency. Stop the processor and pinch a small amount of the dough between your fingers. It should hold together firmly. If it’s too dry and crumbly, that’s where the water comes in. Add one tablespoon of water and process again for 15-20 seconds. Check again, and only add the second tablespoon if absolutely necessary.
05
Roll the mixture into balls. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture. Roll each portion firmly between your palms to form a smooth, compact ball. If the mixture is sticking to your hands, dampening your palms slightly with water can help a lot.
06
Coat the bites (optional but recommended). Pour some extra shredded coconut onto a small plate. Roll each energy bite in the coconut, pressing gently to make it adhere. This gives you that classic Almond Joy exterior and a lovely extra layer of texture.
07
Chill to set. Arrange all the finished bites on your prepared baking sheet and pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is non-negotiable for the perfect, firm-yet-chewy texture. After they’re set, you can transfer them to an airtight container.